Shubman Gill is set to be appointed India’s new ODI captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma for the upcoming three-match series in Australia, starting on 19 October.
Rohit, who retired from Test and T20 cricket earlier this year, will remain in the squad as a specialist batter, alongside Virat Kohli, marking their first international appearance since the 2025 Champions Trophy in March, according to ESPNcricinfo.
The selection panel, led by former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar, in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, is understood to have decided on the captaincy change. Sources indicate the board wants Gill to settle into the role well ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
At 26, Gill already holds formal leadership roles in all three formats, serving as Test and ODI captain and vice-captain of the T20I side. He was appointed Test captain following Rohit’s retirement from the format in May ahead of India’s tour of England. In his first series as Test captain, Gill led India to a 2-2 draw in England and finished as the team’s highest run-scorer with 754 runs at an average of 75.40.
Rohit, 38, had been India’s full-time ODI captain since December 2021. In 56 ODIs under his leadership, India won 42, lost 12, with one tie and one no-result. As stand-in captain, he won the 2018 Asia Cup and, as full-time captain, claimed the 2023 Asia Cup. He also guided India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and most recently to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite losing the captaincy, Rohit will continue in the squad as a specialist batter and aims to perform well enough to secure a place in the 2027 World Cup.
Joining him in the Australia series will be Virat Kohli, who, like Rohit, retired from Tests and T20Is but continues to play ODIs. The three ODIs are scheduled for 19, 23, and 25 October, followed by a five-match T20I series from 29 October to 8 November.
